Abstract

This paper explores the interplay between the literal sense of the Qur'ãn and the various allegoricalinterpretations of many of its verses. It draws on the esoteric and the exoteric interpretations theScripture lends itself to. On the one hand, the Qur'ãn presents itself as having the right to adjudicate theintellectual realm, especially in relation to the legitimacy and the merit of ideas and values. On the otherhand, the Qur'ãn , itself, provides its audience an escape from this intellectual monopoly by describingits message as containing exoteric as well as esoteric meanings. It indicates explicitlythat its message contains 'some verses clear to be understood [ muh?kamât ], they are the foundation ofthe book; and others are parabolical [ mutashâbihât ].' [1] Coupled with the complex subtleties of theArabic language, this distinction has provided a modality for thinkers, be they jurists, theologians orphilosophers, who wished to explore and defend ideas beyond those explicitly sanctioned by Scripture